Philip Levine made his only April (National Poetry Month)
Florida appearance at Saint Leo University Campus Monday
evening,April 9, 2012. His visit marks the first appearance by a
current U.S. Poet Laureate at the university.

More than 300 seats in the Greenfelder-Denlinger Boardrooms were
quickly filled with a diverse crowd of students, faculty, and
friends from the Saint Leo, Dade City, and Tampa area as Levine
prepared to speak at 7 p.m.

The audience was quickly engaged with the poet’s dry humor and
down-to-earth presence, joining the Saint Leo family for an evening
to celebrate the arts and his works. He shared some of his poetry
and his experiences not only as a child growing up in industrial
Detroit, but also stories of Jewish immigrant families, his
experience in Brooklyn, and his journey as a poet and writer.

Shortly after, he kindly shared during a brief
question-and-answer session, followed by a book signing and
reception in the new campus facility housing the Donald R. Tapia
School of Business.

The poet laureate’s appearance was sponsored by the Department
of English, Fine Arts, and Humanities, the Daniel A. Cannon
Memorial Library, and Student Services.

In another University Campus event occurring during National
Poetry Month, the writers and artists behind Sandhill Review, an
annual literary publication showcasing artwork, photography,
poetry, and prose from Saint Leo students, faculty, and staff, will
gather at a launch party at 630 p.m.,Monday, April 16, in the
Daniel A. Cannon Memorial Library. The public is invited to attend,
hear some short readings of poetry and prose, and obtain a copy of
the latest issue. Refreshments will be served, and admission is
free.